APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (06/05/2025)
For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, staying updated with current affairs is vital. This blog covers most important topics from the Assam Tribune today (06-05-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
✨ Current Affairs Crash Course for the APSC Prelims 2025
🕊️ Manipur Violence and the Deepening Humanitarian Crisis
📘 GS Paper 2: Federalism | Rights Issues | Governance
📘 GS Paper 3: Internal Security | Conflict Resolution
🔹 Introduction
The ethnic violence in Manipur between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which erupted in May 2023, has claimed over 260 lives and displaced more than 60,000 people. Even after two years, the state remains under President’s Rule, with worsening inter-community distrust, political inaction, and escalating humanitarian distress. The recent mass shutdown in both valley and hill districts on the conflict’s second anniversary has reignited public attention on the Centre’s continued indifference to the crisis.
🔑 Core Conflict & Key Events
| Component | Details |
| Trigger Event | High Court directive recommending ST status for Meiteis |
| Community Division | Meiteis (53%, Imphal Valley) vs Kuki-Zo (40%, Hill Areas) |
| Area Control | Meiteis on 10% of land; Kukis in 90% (hill areas) |
| Human Toll | 260+ dead, 60,000+ displaced; villages destroyed |
| Political Fallout | Resignation of CM N. Biren Singh (Feb 2025); President’s Rule imposed |
| International Concern | Civil society groups have appealed to the UN for humanitarian aid |
| FIRs and Investigations | FIRs filed over “gun salute” events; audio leaks allege state complicity |
⚙️ Structural Issues in Manipur
🌐 Governance Breakdown:
State under suspended animation
PM and senior leaders yet to visit Manipur
Delhi’s “Dilli Dur Ast” (Out of sight, out of mind) attitude criticized
⚔️ Security Vacuum:
Arms looting, community bunkers, and roadblocks persist
Allegations of state complicity in arming groups
🏚️ Humanitarian Breakdown:
Over 300 relief camps in operation
Lack of sanitation, trauma counseling, and education continuity for displaced children
🧠 Prelims Pointers
President’s Rule (Article 356): Imposed in Manipur since Feb 2025
High Court Directive: Suggested granting ST status to Meiteis
Kuki-Zo Tribes: Scheduled Tribes; reside in hill districts under Sixth Schedule
‘Gun Salute’ Incident: FIR filed in Kangpokpi on 2nd anniversary of the violence
Truth Lab Controversy: Forensic audio tapes allegedly confirming former CM’s role
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of the Crisis
| Dimension | Explanation |
| Human Rights | Displacement, property loss, and targeted violence |
| Federalism | Centre’s delayed response undermines cooperative federalism |
| National Security | Militant groups using chaos to regroup; weapons looted from police armouries |
| Diplomacy | UN appeal highlights the internationalization of internal conflicts |
B. Challenges
| Issue | Description |
| Governance Deficit | Absence of stable government and political leadership |
| Community Polarization | Deep mistrust between Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups |
| Delayed Justice | No high-level accountability or prosecution despite serious allegations |
| Rehabilitation Gaps | No long-term plan for displaced citizens; many relief camps lack basic infrastructure |
C. Government Response
President’s Rule imposed (Feb 2025)
Arms surrender drives (1,000+ weapons submitted)
Hunar Se Rozgar programme for skill-building in relief camps
Court-monitored probe into leaked audios under progress
D. Way Forward
🔹 Political Dialogue:
Appoint a neutral interlocutor for peacebuilding
Resume all-party talks and ensure representation from both communities
🔹 Truth and Reconciliation:
Independent Truth Commission for documentation and justice
Rebuild community trust via civil society partnerships
🔹 Humanitarian Assistance:
Coordinate with national and international aid agencies
Trauma recovery, education continuity, and shelter to be prioritized
🔹 Long-Term Autonomy Models:
Consider autonomous councils or special administrative zones to accommodate diverse interests
🔚 Conclusion
Manipur’s tragedy is not merely a regional law and order issue, but a reflection of systemic governance failure and neglect. As the humanitarian crisis worsens and the ethnic faultlines deepen, India’s commitment to inclusive federalism, human rights, and internal security will be tested by how it resolves the Manipur conflict. The state deserves not silence, but sincere statecraft and compassionate governance.
🛡️ AFSPA Extension in Nagaland: Security vs Civil Liberties
📘 GS Paper 2: Federalism | Governance | Human Rights
📘 GS Paper 3: Internal Security | Law & Order
🔹 Introduction
On March 30, 2025, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) for another six months in various parts of Nagaland, effective from April 1, 2025. This decision follows a review of the security situation in the region and has reignited debates on the balance between national security and human rights in India’s Northeast.
🔑 Key Details of the Extension
| Aspect | Details |
| Duration | Six months, from April 1 to September 30, 2025 |
| Districts under AFSPA | 8 districts: Dimapur, Niuland, Chümoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, and Peren |
| Additional Areas | 21 police station areas in 5 districts: Kohima, Mokokchung, Longleng, Wokha, and Zunheboto |
| New Inclusion | Meluri district, carved out of Phek in November 2024, also declared a ‘disturbed area’ under AFSPA |
| Legal Basis | Section 3 of AFSPA, 1958, empowers the Central Government to declare areas as ‘disturbed’ based on the prevailing law and order situation |
| Powers Granted | Armed forces can search, arrest, and use force, including lethal force, without prior approval in ‘disturbed areas’ |
| Public Response | Civil society groups, including the Naga Students’ Federation, have condemned the extension, citing concerns over human rights violations and lack of accountability |
⚙️ Contextual Background
Historical Application: AFSPA has been in force in Nagaland since 1958, aimed at curbing insurgency and maintaining public order.
Insurgency Concerns: Despite peace talks and ceasefire agreements, factions like the NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) remain active, posing security challenges.
Previous Reductions: In recent years, AFSPA was withdrawn from certain areas in Nagaland, reflecting improvements in the security situation.
Current Justification: The extension is attributed to ongoing threats from insurgent groups and the need to maintain law and order.
🧠 Prelims Pointers
AFSPA Enactment: 1958, applicable in ‘disturbed areas’ to empower armed forces.
Section 3: Allows the Central Government to declare an area as ‘disturbed’.
Section 4: Grants special powers to armed forces, including the use of force and arrest without warrant.
Recent Extension: Effective from April 1, 2025, for six months in specified areas of Nagaland.
📝 Mains Analysis
A. Implications of AFSPA Extension
| Dimension | Analysis |
| Security | Aims to empower armed forces to address insurgency and maintain public order in sensitive regions. |
| Human Rights | Raises concerns over potential misuse of power, leading to human rights violations and erosion of civil liberties. |
| Federal Relations | Central decision-making may strain relations with state governments and local communities seeking greater autonomy and self-governance. |
| Public Perception | Prolonged military presence and special powers can lead to alienation and distrust among the local population. |
B. Challenges and Criticisms
Accountability: AFSPA provides immunity to armed forces, making it difficult to prosecute cases of abuse.
Transparency: Lack of clear criteria for declaring areas as ‘disturbed’ leads to perceptions of arbitrariness.
Impact on Peace Processes: Continued enforcement may hinder ongoing peace negotiations with insurgent groups.
C. Way Forward
Periodic Review: Regular assessments involving local stakeholders to evaluate the necessity of AFSPA in specific areas.
Strengthening Civil Institutions: Enhancing the capacity of local law enforcement to reduce reliance on military intervention.
Legal Reforms: Introducing checks and balances to ensure accountability and protect human rights.
Community Engagement: Building trust through dialogue and development initiatives to address underlying grievances.
🔚 Conclusion
The extension of AFSPA in parts of Nagaland underscores the persistent security challenges in the region. While the Act aims to empower armed forces to maintain order, it also brings to the fore critical debates on human rights, federalism, and the role of the military in civil governance. A balanced approach, emphasizing both security and the protection of civil liberties, is essential for sustainable peace and development in Nagaland.
👮♀️ Assam Police ‘Project AAGHAAZ’: Combating Domestic Violence
📘 GS Paper 2: Governance | Social Justice | Women Empowerment
📘 GS Paper 3: Internal Security | Role of State Police
🔹 Introduction
In response to the rising cases of domestic violence in Assam, the Assam Police launched ‘Project AAGHAAZ’ on May 5, 2025. This initiative aims to provide a comprehensive framework to address and reduce domestic violence through community engagement, legal support, and victim assistance.
🔑 Key Features of ‘Project AAGHAAZ’
| Component | Details |
| Launch Date | May 5, 2025 |
| Initiating Body | Assam Police |
| Objective | To prevent domestic violence and provide support to victims |
| Key Strategies | – Establishment of dedicated helplines – Community awareness programs – Training for police personnel |
| Collaborations | Partnering with NGOs and women’s rights organizations for broader outreach |
| Monitoring Mechanism | Regular audits and feedback systems to assess the effectiveness of the initiative |
⚙️ Contextual Background
Rising Incidents: Assam has witnessed a significant increase in domestic violence cases, especially during and post the COVID-19 pandemic.
Need for Intervention: The lack of awareness, societal stigma, and inadequate support systems necessitated a structured approach to tackle domestic violence.
Assam Police’s Role: Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Assam Police took proactive measures to launch a dedicated project focusing on prevention, support, and rehabilitation.
🧠 Prelims Pointers
‘Project AAGHAAZ’: An initiative by Assam Police launched in May 2025 to combat domestic violence.
Key Collaborators: NGOs, women’s rights groups, and community leaders.
Primary Focus Areas: Prevention, victim support, legal assistance, and community engagement.
📝 Mains Analysis
A. Significance of ‘Project AAGHAAZ’
| Dimension | Analysis |
| Governance | Demonstrates proactive governance and responsiveness to societal issues. |
| Women Empowerment | Provides a platform for women to seek help and assert their rights. |
| Community Engagement | Encourages societal participation in addressing and preventing domestic violence. |
| Law Enforcement | Enhances the capacity of police personnel to handle domestic violence cases sensitively and effectively. |
B. Challenges and Criticisms
Societal Stigma: Victims may hesitate to report due to fear of social ostracization.
Resource Constraints: Ensuring adequate resources and trained personnel across all regions.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishing effective mechanisms to assess the impact and make necessary adjustments.
C. Way Forward
Awareness Campaigns: Intensify efforts to educate the public about domestic violence and available support systems.
Capacity Building: Regular training programs for police and support staff.
Feedback Mechanisms: Implement systems to gather feedback from beneficiaries to improve services.
Policy Integration: Align ‘Project AAGHAAZ’ with national policies and schemes for a cohesive approach.
🔚 Conclusion
‘Project AAGHAAZ’ marks a significant step by the Assam Police in addressing the pervasive issue of domestic violence. Through community involvement, dedicated support systems, and continuous monitoring, the initiative aims to create a safer environment for victims and work towards the eradication of domestic violence in the state.
🌧️ Environmental Issues in Guwahati: The Flash Flood Crisis
📘 GS Paper 3: Environment & Ecology | Disaster Management
📘 GS Paper 2: Urban Governance | Infrastructure
🔹 Introduction
Guwahati, the largest city in Northeast India, has been grappling with recurrent flash floods, especially during the monsoon season. Even brief spells of rain often lead to severe waterlogging, disrupting daily life and causing significant damage to infrastructure. This persistent issue underscores the challenges of rapid urbanization, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental degradation.
🔑 Causes of Flash Floods in Guwahati
| Factor | Description |
| Rapid Urbanization | Unplanned expansion has led to the encroachment of natural drainage channels and wetlands, reducing the city’s capacity to manage stormwater. |
| Deforestation and Hill Cutting | The removal of vegetation and excavation of hills for construction have increased surface runoff and soil erosion, exacerbating flood risks. |
| Inadequate Drainage Systems | The existing drainage infrastructure is insufficient and poorly maintained, leading to frequent blockages and reduced water flow capacity. |
| Encroachment of Water Bodies | Wetlands like Deepor Beel, which act as natural water sinks, are shrinking due to encroachments, diminishing their flood mitigation capacity. |
| Climate Change | Increased frequency of intense rainfall events due to climate change has overwhelmed the city’s drainage capacity, leading to flash floods. |
⚙️ Impact of Flash Floods
Infrastructure Damage: Roads, bridges, and buildings suffer repeated damage, leading to increased maintenance costs.
Public Health Concerns: Stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of vector-borne diseases.
Economic Disruption: Floods disrupt transportation and commerce, affecting livelihoods and the local economy.
Environmental Degradation: Floodwaters often carry pollutants, contaminating water bodies and affecting aquatic ecosystems.
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Deepor Beel: A Ramsar site and vital wetland in Guwahati, crucial for flood mitigation and biodiversity.
Bharalu River: An urban river in Guwahati, often choked with waste, contributing to urban flooding.
Mission Flood-Free Guwahati: An initiative by the Assam government aimed at mitigating urban flooding through infrastructure development and environmental conservation.
📝 Mains Analysis
A. Challenges in Flood Management
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Policy Implementation Gaps | Despite existing policies, enforcement is weak, leading to continued encroachments and inadequate infrastructure development. |
| Lack of Integrated Planning | Urban planning often overlooks natural topography and hydrology, resulting in infrastructure that fails to accommodate natural water flow. |
| Community Awareness | Public participation in flood mitigation is limited, with insufficient awareness about the consequences of waste disposal and encroachments. |
| Resource Constraints | Limited financial and technical resources hinder the development and maintenance of effective drainage and flood management systems. |
B. Way Forward
Strengthening Infrastructure: Invest in modern, sustainable drainage systems and regular maintenance to ensure efficient water flow.
Environmental Conservation: Protect and restore wetlands and natural water bodies to enhance their flood absorption capacity.
Integrated Urban Planning: Incorporate flood risk assessments into urban development plans, ensuring that construction does not impede natural water flow.
Community Engagement: Educate and involve local communities in flood prevention measures, promoting responsible waste disposal and reporting of encroachments.
Policy Enforcement: Implement strict regulations against illegal constructions and encroachments in flood-prone areas.
🔚 Conclusion Guwahati’s recurring flash floods are a manifestation of the complex interplay between rapid urbanization, environmental neglect, and inadequate infrastructure. Addressing this issue requires a holistic approach that combines robust policy implementation, infrastructure development, environmental conservation, and active community participation. Only through concerted efforts can Guwahati hope to mitigate the impacts of flash floods and build a resilient urban environment.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
❶ Manipur Violence & Humanitarian Crisis
Q1. With reference to humanitarian interventions during internal conflicts in India, consider the following statements:
- The Indian Constitution empowers the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to intervene in any state-level human rights crisis without the state’s consent.
- Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in India are legally recognized under the Refugee Convention, 1951.
- The Manipur ethnic conflict has led to increased IDPs in neighboring states like Mizoram and Assam.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 3 only ✅
D. 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is incorrect: NHRC requires state cooperation; its role is recommendatory and not enforceable without consent in state matters.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: India is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, and IDPs do not enjoy separate legal recognition under national refugee law.
- Statement 3 is correct: Manipur conflict has led to displacement into nearby northeastern states.
❷ AFSPA Extension in Nagaland
Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958:
- It empowers security forces to arrest without warrant and use force in ‘disturbed areas’.
- A state government has the exclusive power to declare an area as ‘disturbed’ under AFSPA.
- The Act was originally enacted to deal with insurgency in the Kashmir Valley.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only ✅
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: AFSPA gives security forces sweeping powers in notified areas.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: Both the central and state governments can declare a region as ‘disturbed’.
- Statement 3 is incorrect: The Act originated in 1958 for the Northeast, not Kashmir (J&K was included later in 1990).
❸ Assam Police Project AAGHAAZ
Q3. Recently launched in Assam, the ‘Project AAGHAAZ’ is aimed at:
A. Improving counter-insurgency capabilities of Assam Police
B. Integrating Artificial Intelligence in crime prediction
C. Rehabilitating and reintegrating surrendered militants ✅
D. Promoting inter-state police cooperation in the Northeast
Explanation:
- Project AAGHAAZ is a rehabilitation initiative focusing on the mainstreaming of former insurgents, by providing skill development and economic integration.
Q4. Which of the following components are essential in successful de-radicalization and rehabilitation programs like ‘AAGHAAZ’?
- Vocational training and skill development
- Community sensitization
- Political representation of former insurgents
- Surveillance-based reintegration
A. 1 and 2 only ✅
B. 1, 2 and 3
C. 1, 2, and 4
D. All of the above
Explanation:
- While 1 and 2 are core to reintegration, 3 and 4 are not always applicable or recommended universally in such programs.
❹ Environmental Issues in Guwahati (Flash Floods)
Q5. Deepor Beel, frequently mentioned in relation to Guwahati floods, is:
A. A glacial lake located in Arunachal Pradesh
B. A Ramsar wetland site suffering from urban encroachment ✅
C. An artificial reservoir created for flood control
D. A seasonal river prone to flash floods
Explanation:
- Deepor Beel is a permanent freshwater lake and Ramsar site in Assam. It’s under stress due to rapid urbanization and garbage dumping.
Q6. Consider the following factors contributing to urban floods in Indian cities:
- Shrinkage of wetlands
- Climate-induced heavy rainfall
- Poorly planned urban infrastructure
- Availability of sponge cities
Which of the above contribute to increased flood risk?
A. 1, 2 and 3 only ✅
B. 1, 2 and 4
C. 2, 3 and 4
D. All of the above
Explanation:
Sponge cities (like in China) reduce flood risk by absorbing rainwater — they are not a contributing factor to floods, unlike the first three.
APSC Mains Practice Question
Mains Question (GS Paper 2/3):
“The prolonged ethnic violence in Manipur exposes the vulnerabilities of Indian federalism and internal security architecture.” Critically analyze.
✅ Model Answer
Introduction
The ethnic conflict in Manipur, which began in May 2023 between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, has resulted in over 260 deaths and displaced more than 60,000 people. The crisis, still unresolved after two years and now under President’s Rule, reflects deeper fault lines in federal governance, inter-community relations, and internal security management in India’s Northeast.
Body
🔹 1. Federalism Under Strain
- Delayed Central Intervention: Despite ongoing violence, key national leaders failed to visit the state or act decisively, weakening cooperative federalism.
- State Collapse: Manipur government was rendered ineffective leading to President’s Rule (Art. 356) in Feb 2025.
- “Dilli Dur Ast” Approach: The Centre’s indifference was perceived as a lack of empathy and strategic foresight.
🔹 2. Internal Security Challenges
- Weapons Looting: Over 4,000 arms were looted from police armories, enabling militant activity.
- Rise in Militant Mobilization: The vacuum allowed insurgent and fringe ethnic militias to regroup.
- Ethnic Bunkers & Roadblocks: Communities erected armed barricades, replacing state authority with localized power structures.
🔹 3. Humanitarian and Rights Crisis
- Displacement: 60,000+ people in 300+ relief camps lack sanitation, education, and trauma counseling.
- Allegations of State Complicity: Forensic leaks and FIRs suggest selective state action and biased law enforcement.
- UN Appeals: International organizations flagged the issue, making it a global human rights concern.
🔹 4. Governance Deficit
- Breakdown of Civil Administration: The bureaucracy failed to ensure justice delivery, rehabilitation, or effective communication between groups.
- Delayed Justice: No high-level prosecution or independent truth-finding mechanism initiated even after 2 years.
Way Forward
✔️ Political & Institutional Measures
- Appoint a neutral interlocutor and initiate an inclusive dialogue with both Meitei and Kuki-Zo representatives.
- Independent Truth Commission to document human rights violations and restore faith in institutions.
✔️ Security Reforms
- Recover looted arms through court-monitored surrender drives.
- Strengthen the local police and neutralize community militias through lawful disarmament.
✔️ Humanitarian Support
- Partner with NGOs and UN agencies to ensure trauma care, education, sanitation, and livelihood restoration.
✔️ Federal Balancing
- Empower local governance through autonomous councils or special administrative zones to address regional aspirations.
Conclusion
The Manipur crisis is a warning bell for India’s internal security framework and federal structure. It highlights the cost of political inertia, ethnic polarization, and the failure to protect constitutional rights. A comprehensive approach involving dialogue, justice, and decentralized governance is crucial to healing the state and safeguarding India’s democratic fabric.
✨ APSC Prelims Crash Course, 2025
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